Combination expands BWBR’s presence into North Carolina, bringing together design expertise and creating new opportunities for clients, employees and communities
ST. PAUL, Minn. and DURHAM, N.C. — November 2, 2026 — BWBR, a St. Paul-based architecture and design firm with a national practice, has acquired Durham-based RND Architects.
The acquisition combines two firms with complementary expertise and a shared commitment to people-centered design that positively impacts communities and the environments we share.
The acquisition establishes a foothold for BWBR in the growing Research Triangle region, creating opportunities to expand its work in science and technology, healthcare, education and public-sector projects. RND, which will now be known as BWBR, gains access to the expertise and resources of a national firm, creating opportunities to pursue larger, more complex projects across the country while maintaining the local relationships and personalized service that have defined its success.
“We’ve had our eye on the Triangle for some time because of the tremendous growth here,” said Terri Ulrick, president and CEO of BWBR. “RND brings design experience, strong local relationships and market knowledge that complement our expertise and resources. Together, we can pursue larger opportunities in the region and expand the impact of our design beyond what either firm could achieve alone.”
Unlike acquisitions driven by private equity investment, the combination grew from a deliberate search for a firm with compatible values and a shared approach to serving clients. Both BWBR and RND emphasize long-term relationships, employee development and the power of thoughtful design to create environments that make a positive difference for the people and communities they serve. That alignment was central to the decision to bring the firms together.
“What made BWBR the right partner was that they share our commitment to our employees,” said Charles Nickelson, principal at RND. “This gives our people more opportunities to learn, grow and develop their careers, while allowing us to preserve the personal relationships and commitment to service that have always defined RND.”
RND will become BWBR’s fourth office, joining existing locations in St. Paul, Minnesota; Madison, Wisconsin; and Omaha, Nebraska. The combined firm will have approximately 200 employees. The transaction is expected to close on October 31, 2026, with the firms beginning operations together November 2.